JP7533484B2 - Measurement device, measurement method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a measuring device, a measuring method, and a program, and in particular to a measuring device, a measuring method, and a program that are smaller and easier to use to measure the range of motion of fingers.

It is generally believed that a wider range of motion for the fingers of a performer playing an instrument such as the piano allows them to perform better. It is therefore anticipated that quantitative measurement of the range of motion of the fingers will enable performers to improve their playing skills when playing an instrument.

Here, Patent Document 1 discloses, for example, a measuring device that can quantitatively measure the range of motion of the fingers of a patient undergoing rehabilitation in order to check the effectiveness of the daily rehabilitation.

JP 2018-29729 A

Meanwhile, conventional measuring devices for measuring the range of motion of fingers for the purpose of rehabilitation, such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1, are large, inconvenient to carry, and expensive, and therefore not suitable for use in improving performance skills as described above. For this reason, it is thought that if there were a smaller, cheaper, and more convenient to carry measuring device, individual performers would be able to easily measure the range of motion of their fingers on a daily basis. Thus, there has been a demand for a smaller, easier to use measuring device for measuring the range of motion of fingers.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and makes it possible to measure the range of motion of fingers in a smaller and simpler manner.

A measuring device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that serves as the reference for measurement and that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, and a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism to one end of the second linear motion mechanism and has a sensor that detects the amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism.

A measurement method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a measurement device including a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that serves as a reference for measurement and that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with a finger to be measured and that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, and a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism to one end of the second linear motion mechanism and has a sensor that detects the amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism, the measurement device acquiring a current value of the amount of rotation detected by the sensor, and determining a measurement value of a joint angle that represents the range of motion of the finger from a threshold value that is updated with the maximum value of the current value.

A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer of a measuring device including a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of a hand that serves as a reference for measurement and that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, a second linear motion mechanism that moves with a finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, and a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism to one end of the second linear motion mechanism and has a sensor that detects the amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism to perform a measurement process including obtaining a current value of the amount of rotation detected by the sensor and determining a measurement value of a joint angle that represents the range of motion of the finger from a threshold value that is updated with the maximum value of the current value.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, the measuring device is equipped with a first linear motion mechanism that has a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand, which is the reference for measurement, and that moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, a second linear motion mechanism that moves with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction, and a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism to one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects the amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism, and a current value of the amount of rotation detected by the sensor is obtained, and a measurement value of the joint angle representing the range of motion of the finger is obtained from a threshold value that is updated with the maximum value of the current value.

1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a measuring device to which the present technology is applied; 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of use when measuring the range of motion of finger extension and flexion. 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating a method of attaching the measuring device to fingers. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of a measurement device. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a display unit of the measurement device. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a display screen displayed on a display of an external terminal. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of use when measuring the range of motion of abduction and adduction of fingers. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining measurement of the range of motion of abduction and adduction of fingers. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an embodiment of a computer to which the present technology is applied.

Below, specific embodiments of the present technology are described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Example of measurement device configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an embodiment of a measurement device to which the present technology is applied.

As shown in Fig. 1, the measuring device 11 is configured to include a device housing 12, a guide unit 13, a linear motion unit 14, a rotation mechanism 15, a guide unit 16, a linear motion unit 17, and a holding unit 18. In Fig. 1, the fingers of a subject, whose range of motion is to be measured, are indicated by dashed lines, and the measuring device 11 is attached to the fingers of the subject as shown.

The device housing 12, for example, incorporates an information processing board for performing measurement processing to measure the range of motion of the fingers, and is configured such that a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22 are provided on the surface of the device housing 12. The device housing 12 is also attached to the upper surface of the guide unit 13.

The guide unit 13 and the linear motion unit 14 form a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly relative to each other along their longitudinal directions. For example, the lower surface of the guide unit 13 (the surface facing the opposite side to the upper surface to which the device housing 12 is attached) serves as an abutment portion that abuts against the back of the subject's hand. The measurement device 11 is placed with the abutment portion of the guide unit 13 abutting against the back of the subject's hand, and the range of motion of the fingers is measured. Therefore, as the subject moves his or her fingers, the linear motion unit 14 slides relative to the guide unit 13 in the direction of the straight arrow shown in FIG. 1.

The rotation mechanism 15 is configured to have a rotation axis that rotatably connects one end of the linear motion part 14 and one end of the guide part 16, and a sensor that detects the amount of rotation around the rotation axis.

The guide unit 16 and the linear motion unit 17 constitute a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly relative to each other along their longitudinal directions. For example, the linear motion unit 17 is fixed to the finger to be measured by the holding unit 18, so that the linear motion mechanism consisting of the guide unit 16 and the linear motion unit 17 moves together with the finger to be measured. At this time, because one end of the guide unit 16 is connected to one end of the linear motion unit 14 via the rotation mechanism 15, the linear motion unit 17 slides relative to the guide unit 16 in the direction of the straight arrow shown in FIG. 1 as the subject moves the finger.

The holding portion 18 is provided on the linear motion portion 17, and the subject holds the finger by fitting the finger into the holding portion 18.

When measuring the range of motion of the finger to be measured for extension and flexion, the measuring device 11 configured in this manner is mounted so that the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 15 is positioned approximately parallel to the rotation axis about which the finger rotates in the extension and flexion directions, as shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 2, an example of use of the measuring device 11 when measuring the range of motion of finger extension and flexion is described.

The center of Figure 2 shows the index finger's MP (metacarpophalangeal) joint at 0 degrees. The upper part of Figure 2 shows the index finger's MP joint moved in the direction of extension, and the lower part of Figure 2 shows the index finger's MP joint moved in the direction of flexion.

2, as the finger to be measured extends or bends, linear motion unit 14 slides relative to guide unit 13, and linear motion unit 17 slides relative to guide unit 16. For example, when device housing 12 is grasped by the person measuring or being measured with guide unit 13 in contact with the back of the hand, linear motion unit 14 slides relative to guide unit 13, which is fixed in a state parallel to the back of the hand. Furthermore, when the finger is held by holding unit 18, linear motion unit 17, which is fixed in a state parallel to the finger, slides relative to guide unit 16.

As a result, the measuring device 11 can measure the range of motion in the extension or flexion direction of the finger being measured (in the example of Figure 2, the joint angle of the MP joint of the index finger) by detecting the amount of rotation around the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 15.

Generally, the back of the hand is not flat, and the MP joints of each finger are not arranged in a straight line, so that deformation of the back of the hand changes the relative positions of the MP joints of each finger. Therefore, in order to accurately measure the range of motion of the fingers using the measuring device 11, it is necessary to define a reference surface for measurement for each finger (the surface of the back of the hand that the contact surface of the guide unit 13 contacts), and it is preferable to perform measurements on each finger.

Referring to Figure 3, the method of attaching the measuring device 11 to the fingers will be described.

For example, in A of Figure 3, when the linear motion part 17 is fixed to the fingers by the holding part 18, the contact surface of the linear motion part 17 that contacts the fingers is shown surrounded by a dashed line, and the contact surface of the guide part 13 that contacts the back of the hand at that time is shown surrounded by a dashed line.

3B, the location where the contact surface of the linear motion part 17 contacts is shown surrounded by a dashed line, and the location where the contact surface of the guide part 13 contacts is shown surrounded by a dashed line. For example, when the index finger is the subject of measurement, the proximal phalanx of the index finger is held by the holding part 18, the contact surface of the linear motion part 17 contacts along the back of the index finger, and the contact surface of the guide part 13 contacts along the metacarpal bone of the index finger on the back of the hand. Similarly, when the middle finger is the subject of measurement, the proximal phalanx of the middle finger is held by the holding part 18, the contact surface of the linear motion part 17 contacts along the back of the middle finger, and the contact surface of the guide part 13 contacts along the metacarpal bone of the middle finger on the back of the hand. The same applies to the ring finger and the little finger.

In this way, the measuring device 11 is attached so that the linear motion mechanism consisting of the guide unit 16 and the linear motion unit 17 abuts along the back of the finger to be measured, and the linear motion mechanism consisting of the guide unit 13 and the linear motion unit 14 abuts along the metacarpal bone on the back of the finger to be measured. By attaching the measuring device 11 in this manner, it is possible to accurately measure the anatomical range of motion (the joint angle of the MP joint in the example of Figure 3).

In addition to the range of motion of the MP joint, the measuring device 11 can also measure the range of motion of the PIP (proximal interphalangeal) joint or the DIP (distal interphalangeal) joint. For example, when measuring the range of motion of the PIP joint, the middle phalanx of the finger to be measured is held by the holding unit 18, and the contact surface of the guide unit 13 is contacted along the proximal and middle phalanges. When measuring the range of motion of the DIP joint, the distal phalanx of the finger to be measured is held by the holding unit 18, and the contact surface of the guide unit 13 is contacted along the middle, proximal, and middle phalanges.

<Example of functional configuration of measurement device>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the measurement device 11.

4, the measurement device 11 can be connected to a database 32, an analysis server 33, and an external terminal 34 via a network 31. The measurement device 11 is also configured to include a sensor 41, a signal processing unit 42, an operation signal acquisition unit 43, a memory unit 44, a display control unit 45, a communication unit 46, and a control unit 47.

The sensor 41 is composed of, for example, a potentiometer or an encoder, and detects the amount of rotation when the linear motion mechanism consisting of the guide part 16 and the linear motion part 17 rotates relative to the linear motion mechanism consisting of the guide part 13 and the linear motion part 14 in Fig. 1. The sensor 41 then supplies a sensor signal indicating the amount of rotation to the signal processing part 42.

The signal processing unit 42 performs signal processing on the sensor signal supplied from the sensor 41, such as noise reduction processing to reduce noise in the sensor signal and conversion processing to convert the voltage of the sensor signal into an angle (or position). The signal processing unit 42 then supplies the sensor value obtained as a result of the signal processing performed on the sensor signal to the control unit 47.

The operation signal acquisition unit 43 acquires an operation signal corresponding to an operation performed on the operation unit 22 (Figure 1), which consists of various buttons, for example, and supplies it to the control unit 47.

The memory unit 44 is, for example, a non-volatile memory built into the device housing 12 or a card-type memory that is detachable from the device housing 12, and stores the measurement values obtained as a result of the measurement by the measuring device 11. Note that when storing these measurement values in the database 32, the measuring device 11 may be configured without the memory unit 44.

The display control unit 45 performs control to display various display screens (see Figure 6 described below) on the display unit 21 of Figure 1 in accordance with control by the control unit 47.

The communication unit 46 communicates via the network 31, and transmits, for example, measurement values obtained as a result of measurement by the measuring device 11. The communication unit 46 can perform wired or wireless communication, and can also transmit measurement values directly to the external terminal 34 by infrared communication or short-range wireless communication. Furthermore, the measuring device 11 may be configured to display a two-dimensional code representing the measurement value on the display unit 21, and to have the external terminal 34 read the two-dimensional code.

The control unit 47 controls each block constituting the measuring device 11 and executes the measurement process described with reference to Fig. 5. For example, the control unit 47 acquires the current value of the amount of rotation detected by the sensor 41, and can obtain the measurement value of the joint angle representing the range of motion of the fingers from a threshold value (hereinafter referred to as the current threshold value) that is updated with the maximum value of the current value.

The control unit 47 can then control the communication unit 46 to transmit the measurement values obtained as a result of the measurement by the measuring device 11 to the database 32, the analysis server 33, and the external terminal 34 via the network 31. In this way, by transmitting the measurement values directly from the measuring device 11, seamless measurement and evaluation can be performed without, for example, using a personal computer.

For example, the measurement values measured by the measuring device 11 can be confirmed by an external terminal 34 such as a smartphone or tablet. In addition, the analysis server 33 can analyze the historical data of the measurement values recorded in the database 32, thereby making it possible to, for example, recommend training to increase the range of motion of the fingers.

The measuring device 11 also stores historical data of the measurement values in the memory unit 44 and displays it on the display unit 21 so that the person being measured can check it. The measuring device 11 also transmits historical data of the measurement values directly to the external terminal 34 via the communication unit 46, and the external terminal 34 analyzes the data, thereby making it possible to, for example, recommend training to increase the range of motion of the fingers.

<Example of measurement processing>
An example of the measurement process performed in the measurement device 11 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

For example, the finger to be measured is held by the holding portion 18, and the measuring device 11 is placed with the contact portion of the guide portion 13 in contact with the back of the hand of the person to be measured.Then, as shown in the center of Figure 2, the MP joint of the finger to be measured is set to 0 degrees and brought to rest, and the measurement process is started.

Then, in step S11, the control unit 47 sets the sensor value supplied from the signal processing unit 42 at the start of the measurement process as the initial value, and then measurement is started in step S12.

In step S13, the control unit 47 acquires the sensor values sequentially supplied from the signal processing unit 42 as current values.

In step S14, the control unit 47 compares the current value acquired in step S13 with the current threshold value. Here, the current threshold value is the largest sensor value acquired during one measurement process.

In step S15, if the current value is greater than the current threshold value according to the comparison result of step S14, the control unit 47 updates the current threshold value with the current value. Note that if the comparison result of step S14 shows that the current value is equal to or less than the current threshold value, the current threshold value is not updated and the process of step S15 is skipped.

In step S16, the control unit 47 determines whether or not to end the measurement. For example, the control unit 47 determines to end the measurement when the elapsed time from the start of the measurement process reaches a preset measurement end time.

If in step S16 the control unit 47 determines not to end the measurement, the process returns to step S13 and the same process is repeated thereafter.

On the other hand, if in step S16 the control unit 47 determines to end the measurement, processing proceeds to step S17 and the measurement is ended.

In step S18, the control unit 47 outputs the current threshold value at the time when the measurement is completed, that is, the largest sensor value acquired during the current measurement process, as the measurement value. For example, the control unit 47 causes the display unit 21 to display the measurement value via the display control unit 45, or causes the communication unit 46 to transmit the measurement value to the external terminal 34.

After processing of step S18, the measurement process is terminated.

As described above, in the measurement process performed by the measurement device 11, the subject can measure the range of motion of the fingers simply by moving the fingers freely. In other words, the measurement device 11 automatically measures the range of motion of the fingers that the subject has moved to their limit without operating the operation unit 22, and the largest sensor value obtained in the measurement process is found to be the measurement value of the joint angle that represents the range of motion of the fingers. This allows the measurement device 11 to more easily measure the range of motion of the fingers.

Of course, the measuring device 11 may be configured to start or end the measurement process by operating the operation unit 22.

<Example of measurement result display>
6 and 7, a display example of the measurement result obtained in the measurement process in the measuring device 11 will be described.

Figure 6A shows an example of a display screen displayed on the display unit 21 during measurement processing by the measuring device 11.

During the measurement process of the measuring device 11, the display unit 21 displays a display screen that displays a numerical value indicating the current score (30 shown in A of FIG. 6) and a message instructing the direction in which to move the finger to be measured (Move to RIGHT shown in A of FIG. 6). For example, a value based on the current threshold used in the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 5 can be used as the current score. In addition, the message can instruct the user to move the finger in the abduction or adduction direction, or in the extension or flexion direction. In addition, a specific sound (e.g., a beep) may be output together with the instruction on the direction in which to move the finger.

B of Figure 6 shows a first display example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 21 after the measurement process of the measuring device 11.

For example, when the range of motion of five fingers is measured using the measuring device 11, a display screen showing the range of motion for each finger as a bar graph is displayed on the display unit 21. This display screen makes it easy to compare the ranges of motion of the five fingers.

Figure 6C shows a second display example of the display screen displayed on the display unit 21 after the measurement process of the measuring device 11.

For example, when the measurement device 11 is used to measure the range of motion of a certain finger, the display unit 21 displays a display screen that displays the historical data of the measurement values of the range of motion of that finger in the form of a line graph showing the change over time. With such a display screen, the change over time in the range of motion of a specific finger can be easily understood. Note that the line graphs for five fingers may be displayed superimposed.

Fig. 7A shows an example of a display screen that displays the range of motion for each finger as a bar graph on the display 51 of the external terminal 34, similar to Fig. 6B. Fig. 7B shows an example of a display screen that displays historical data on the measurement values of the range of motion of the fingers as a line graph showing changes over time on the display 51 of the external terminal 34, similar to Fig. 6C.

Figure 7C also shows an example of a display screen that displays numerical values indicating the range of motion of each finger when the range of motion of five fingers is measured using the measuring device 11, and is displayed on the display 51 of the external terminal 34.

In this way, the measuring device 11 stores historical data of the measurement values in the memory unit 44 and presents the changes in the range of motion of each finger over time, allowing the person being measured to check for growth or improvement such as an increase in the range of motion.

In addition, the measuring device 11 can inform the subject of his/her strengths and weaknesses for each evaluation item by presenting the measured values of the range of motion of the fingers along with general numerical values for the range of motion of the fingers. Alternatively, the measuring device 11 can display rankings among subjects who share data via the network 31. Furthermore, the measuring device 11 can recommend exercises that are expected to produce greater improvements in some evaluation items by performing statistical calculations on the historical data of the measurements of many subjects in the analysis server 33.

<Examples of using measuring devices>
An example of use of the measurement device 11 for measuring the range of motion of finger abduction and adduction will be described with reference to Figs. 8 and 9 .

For example, the axis of rotation when the fingers rotate in the abduction and adduction directions is perpendicular to the axis of rotation when the fingers rotate in the extension and flexion directions by 90 degrees. Therefore, when measuring the range of motion of the fingers for abduction and adduction, the measuring device 11 is attached to the subject's fingers in a state rotated 90 degrees from the attachment direction when measuring the range of motion of the fingers for extension and flexion.

That is, as shown in FIG. 8, the measuring device 11 is attached to the subject's fingers so that the surface of the device housing 12 on which the display unit 21 and the operation unit 22 are provided faces upward with respect to the back of the hand and the guide unit 13 abuts against the back of the hand. Therefore, the direction in which the holding unit 18 is provided with respect to the guide unit 16 and the linear motion unit 17 is also rotated 90 degrees from the direction in which the range of motion of the finger extension and flexion is measured. For example, when measuring the range of motion of the finger extension and flexion and when measuring the range of motion of the finger abduction and adduction, the holding unit 18 of a different part may be replaced according to the measurement direction, or a rotation mechanism may be provided to rotate the same holding unit 18 according to the measurement direction.

As a result, when measuring the range of motion of the finger to be measured in abduction and adduction, the rotation mechanism 15 is mounted so that its rotation axis is positioned to approximately coincide with the rotation axis of the finger when it rotates in the abduction and adduction directions.

Furthermore, when the axis of rotation when the finger rotates in the abduction and adduction directions coincides with the axis of rotation of the rotation mechanism 15, the distance from the center of rotation to the holding part 18 is approximately constant. For this reason, in this case, there is little need to slide the linear motion part 17 relative to the guide part 16, and more accurate measurements can be performed by fixing the guide part 16 and the linear motion part 17 by the fixing member 19.

Referring to Figure 9, an example of use of the measuring device 11 when measuring the range of motion of finger abduction and adduction is described.

9 shows a state in which the MP joint of the index finger is moved in the direction of abduction, and the lower part of Fig. 9 shows a state in which the MP joint of the index finger is moved in the direction of adduction. As shown in the figure, when measuring the range of motion of abduction and adduction of the finger, the rotation axis when the finger rotates in the abduction and adduction directions can be made to approximately coincide with the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism 15.

In this way, the subject places the device housing 12 on the back of their hand, fixes the palm on a flat surface such as a desk, and moves the finger to be measured to the left and right as far as they can, thereby measuring the range of motion of abduction and adduction of that finger.

As described above, the measuring device 11 is configured with a one-axis rotation mechanism 15, but it can be configured with, for example, a two-axis rotation mechanism that rotates on two axes. For example, the measuring device 11 with a two-axis rotation mechanism can measure the range of motion in the extension and flexion directions and the range of motion in the abduction and adduction directions without having to be reattached.

Furthermore, when performing measurements based on a part of the back of the hand and the back of the proximal joint, the measuring device 11 can use an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) sensor that detects the acceleration and angular velocity of the guide unit 13 and the guide unit 16, instead of a sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the rotation mechanism 15. For example, the IMU sensor is a 9-axis sensor that can measure geomagnetism in addition to acceleration and angular velocity. The measuring device 11 can then measure the range of motion of the fingers by calculating the relative angle using the IMU sensor on the guide unit 13 side and the IMU sensor on the guide unit 16 side.

As described above, the measuring device 11 to which the present technology is applied is smaller and can be manufactured at a lower cost than, for example, the measuring device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. Therefore, the measuring device 11 is more convenient to carry and makes it possible to easily measure the range of motion of the fingers. This allows players of musical instruments such as the piano to quantitatively measure the range of motion of their fingers on a daily basis in their own homes, thereby improving their playing skills.

<Example of computer configuration>
Next, the above-mentioned series of processes (information processing method) can be performed by hardware or software. When the series of processes is performed by software, a program constituting the software is installed in a general-purpose computer or the like.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of one embodiment of a computer on which a program that executes the series of processes described above is installed.

The program can be pre-recorded on a hard disk 105 or ROM 103 as a recording medium built into the computer.

Alternatively, the program can be stored (recorded) on a removable recording medium 111 driven by the drive 109. Such a removable recording medium 111 can be provided as a so-called package software. Here, examples of the removable recording medium 111 include a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto Optical) disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), a magnetic disk, and a semiconductor memory.

The program can be installed on the computer from the removable recording medium 111 as described above, or can be downloaded to the computer via a communication network or broadcasting network and installed on the built-in hard disk 105. That is, the program can be transferred to the computer wirelessly from a download site via an artificial satellite for digital satellite broadcasting, or transferred to the computer by wire via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet.

The computer has a built-in CPU (Central Processing Unit) 102, to which an input/output interface 110 is connected via a bus 101.

When a command is input by a user operating the input unit 107 via the input/output interface 110, the CPU 102 executes a program stored in the ROM (Read Only Memory) 103 in accordance with the command. Alternatively, the CPU 102 loads a program stored in the hard disk 105 into the RAM (Random Access Memory) 104 and executes it.

As a result, the CPU 102 performs processing according to the above-mentioned flowchart or processing performed by the configuration of the above-mentioned block diagram. Then, the CPU 102 outputs the processing results from the output unit 106 via the input/output interface 110, or transmits them from the communication unit 108, or records them on the hard disk 105, as necessary.

The input unit 107 is composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a microphone, etc. The output unit 106 is composed of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), a speaker, etc.

Here, in this specification, the processing performed by a computer according to a program does not necessarily have to be performed in chronological order according to the order described in the flowchart. In other words, the processing performed by a computer according to a program also includes processing executed in parallel or individually (for example, parallel processing or processing by objects).

The program may be processed by one computer (processor), or may be distributed among multiple computers. Furthermore, the program may be transferred to a remote computer for execution.

Furthermore, in this specification, a system means a collection of multiple components (devices, modules (parts), etc.), regardless of whether all the components are in the same housing. Thus, multiple devices housed in separate housings and connected via a network, and a single device in which multiple modules are housed in a single housing, are both systems.

Also, for example, the configuration described above as one device (or processing unit) may be divided and configured as multiple devices (or processing units). Conversely, the configurations described above as multiple devices (or processing units) may be combined and configured as one device (or processing unit). Of course, configurations other than those described above may also be added to the configuration of each device (or processing unit). Furthermore, if the configuration and operation of the system as a whole are substantially the same, part of the configuration of one device (or processing unit) may be included in the configuration of another device (or other processing unit).

For example, the present technology can also be configured as cloud computing, in which a single function is shared and processed collaboratively by multiple devices via a network.

For example, the above-mentioned program can be executed in any device. In that case, it is sufficient that the device has the necessary functions (functional blocks, etc.) and is capable of obtaining the necessary information.

Also, for example, each step described in the above flowchart can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. Furthermore, if one step includes multiple processes, the multiple processes included in that one step can be executed by one device, or can be shared and executed by multiple devices. In other words, multiple processes included in one step can be executed as multiple step processes. Conversely, processes described as multiple steps can be executed collectively as one step.

In addition, the processing of the steps that describe a program executed by a computer may be executed chronologically in the order described in this specification, or may be executed in parallel, or individually at the required timing, such as when a call is made. In other words, the processing of each step may be executed in an order different from the order described above, as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, the processing of the steps that describe this program may be executed in parallel with the processing of other programs, or may be executed in combination with the processing of other programs.

Note that the multiple present technologies described in this specification can be implemented independently and individually, as long as no contradictions arise. Of course, any multiple present technologies can also be implemented in combination. For example, part or all of the present technologies described in any embodiment can be implemented in combination with part or all of the present technologies described in other embodiments. Also, part or all of any of the above-mentioned present technologies can be implemented in combination with other technologies not described above.

<Examples of configuration combinations>
The present technology can also be configured as follows.
(1)
a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that is a reference for measurement and that linearly moves along the longitudinal direction;
a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction;
a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism and one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects an amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism.
(2)
The measurement device described in (1) above performs a measurement process in which a current value of the rotation amount detected by the sensor is acquired, and a measurement value of a joint angle representing the range of motion of the finger is obtained from a threshold value updated with the maximum value of the current value.
(3)
the first linear motion mechanism includes a first guide portion on which the abutment portion is provided, and a linear motion portion that slides relative to the first guide portion,
The measuring device according to (2) above, wherein a housing incorporating an information processing board for determining the measurement value is provided on a surface of the first guide portion other than the surface that serves as the contact portion.
(4)
the second linear motion mechanism includes a second guide portion having one end connected to the rotation mechanism, and a second linear motion portion that slides relative to the second guide portion,
The measurement device according to (3) above, wherein the second linear motion section is provided with a holding section for holding a finger to be measured.
(5)
When measuring the range of motion of the fingers,
The finger is held by the holding unit in a state where the longitudinal direction of the second linear motion mechanism is aligned with the finger to be measured,
The measuring device according to (4) above, wherein the contact portion contacts the back of a hand with the longitudinal direction of the first linear motion mechanism aligned with the metacarpal bone of a finger to be measured.
(6)
A measuring device described in any of (1) to (5) above, wherein the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism is arranged approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the finger to be measured when it rotates in the extension and flexion directions, and the range of motion of the finger to be measured is measured.
(7)
A measuring device described in any of (1) to (5) above, wherein the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism is positioned to approximately coincide with the rotation axis of the finger to be measured when it rotates in the adduction and abduction directions, and the range of motion of the finger to be adduced and abducted is measured.
(8)
The measuring device according to any one of (2) to (5) above, further comprising a communication unit that transmits the measurement value.
(9)
a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that is a reference for measurement and that linearly moves along the longitudinal direction;
a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction;
a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism and one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects an amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism,
Obtaining a current value of the rotation amount detected by the sensor;
and determining a measurement value of a joint angle representing a range of motion of the finger from a threshold value updated with a maximum value of the current value.
(10)
a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that is a reference for measurement and that linearly moves along the longitudinal direction;
a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction;
a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism and one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects an amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism,
Obtaining a current value of the rotation amount detected by the sensor;
and determining a measurement value of a joint angle representing a range of motion of the finger from a threshold value updated with the maximum value of the current value.

Note that this embodiment is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of this disclosure. In addition, the effects described in this specification are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be present.

11 Measuring device, 12 Device housing, 13 Guide section, 14 Linear motion section, 15 Rotation mechanism, 16 Guide section, 17 Linear motion section, 18 Holding section, 19 Fixing member, 21 Display section, 22 Operation section, 31 Network, 32 Database, 33 Analysis server, 34 External terminal, 41 Sensor, 42 Signal processing section, 43 Operation signal acquisition section, 44 Memory section, 45 Display control section, 46 Communication section, 47 Control section, 51 Display

Claims (10)

a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that is a reference for measurement and that linearly moves along the longitudinal direction;
a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction;
a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism and one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects an amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism. The measurement device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a measurement process for obtaining a current value of the amount of rotation detected by the sensor, and determining a measurement value of a joint angle representing a range of motion of the finger from a threshold value updated with a maximum value of the current value. the first linear motion mechanism includes a first guide portion on which the abutment portion is provided, and a linear motion portion that slides relative to the first guide portion,
The measuring device according to claim 2 , wherein a housing incorporating an information processing board for determining the measurement value is provided on a surface of the first guide portion other than the surface that serves as the contact portion. the second linear motion mechanism includes a second guide portion having one end connected to the rotation mechanism, and a second linear motion portion that slides relative to the second guide portion,
The measurement device according to claim 3 , wherein the second linear motion section is provided with a holding section for holding the finger to be measured. When measuring the range of motion of the fingers,
The finger is held by the holding unit in a state where the longitudinal direction of the second linear motion mechanism is aligned with the finger to be measured,
The measurement device according to claim 4 , wherein the contact portion contacts the back of a hand with the longitudinal direction of the first linear motion mechanism aligned with the metacarpal bone of the finger to be measured. The measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism is arranged approximately parallel to the rotation axis of the finger to be measured when the finger rotates in the extension and flexion directions, and the range of motion of the finger to be measured is measured. The measurement device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis of the rotation mechanism is positioned so as to substantially coincide with the rotation axis of the finger to be measured when it rotates in the adduction and abduction directions, and the range of motion of the finger to be measured in adduction and abduction is measured. The measurement device according to claim 2 , further comprising a communication unit for transmitting the measurement value. a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that is a reference for measurement and that linearly moves along the longitudinal direction;
a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction;
a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism and one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects an amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism,
Obtaining a current value of the rotation amount detected by the sensor;
and determining a measurement value of a joint angle representing a range of motion of the finger from a threshold value updated with a maximum value of the current value. a first linear motion mechanism having a contact portion that contacts the back of the hand that is a reference for measurement and that linearly moves along the longitudinal direction;
a second linear motion mechanism that moves together with the finger to be measured and moves linearly along the longitudinal direction;
a rotation mechanism that rotatably connects one end of the first linear motion mechanism and one end of the second linear motion mechanism, and has a sensor that detects an amount of rotation when the second linear motion mechanism rotates relative to the first linear motion mechanism,
Obtaining a current value of the rotation amount detected by the sensor;
and determining a measurement value of a joint angle representing a range of motion of the finger from a threshold value updated with the maximum value of the current value.

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